Merck KGaA seeks improved partnership

A delegation from one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical company, Merck KGaA, led by its Chairman, Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp was received at Star Building by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang.

In Cameroon to participate in meetings organised by the World Health Organisation, the delegation took time off to meet with the Head of Government as it seeks to improve partnership with the country in the treatment of Bilharzias also known as schistosomiasis (water born disease) and to intensify its fight against counterfeit drugs.

Stangenberg-Haverkamp told the press after discussions with the Prime Minister that his company will be organising health campaigns in the country whereby drug donations will be made to treat children with bilharzias. The programme, he noted, is well “established” and falls within the company’s vision of improving lives and scientific excellence.

PM Yang and the visiting delegation also discussed how to “seek ways of developing existing partnership” by fighting the spread and use of counterfeit medicine, Stangenberg-Haverkamp said. He explained that fake medicine was not only the affair of Cameroon but that of the African continent, countries of South America and Europe where over 30 per cent of drugs in circulation are not genuine.

Cameroon, he said, is therefore one of the beneficiary countries of the potable mini lab detector developed by the company to be donated to “organisations and Universities for charity to detect fake medicines.” Another area of interest is on the area of diabetes where Merck KGaA intends to step up the training of medical doctors on how to better manage the illness. The delegation was later received by the Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda.

Merck KGaA develops, produces and sells biotech pharmaceutical and chemical products for global consumption. In addition to producing drugs, the multinational firm makes specialty chemicals, including laboratory reagents and cosmetic ingredients as well as liquid crystals for Televisions.